SC initiative gives support to grassroots lawyers

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court is formally extending support to public interest lawyers and organizations to help them in their missions while promoting grassroots lawyering as a viable career path.

The Supreme Court on Friday released rules promulgated on Aug. 26 for the formal recognition of organizations and legal practitioners devoted to developmental and social change (DSC).

The rules will take effect upon publication in the print media and on the websites of the Supreme Court and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP).

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The move to institutionalize support for public interest lawyers, many of whom are advocates of human rights, stemmed from the goal to reinforce legal aid as an “equalizing mechanism,” the high court said, citing its Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations from 2022 to 2027.

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DSC organizations who may be eligible for accreditation and assistance are those operating for at least five years as a “not-for-profit” outfit and primarily assisting marginalized sectors and underserved communities.

The accreditation will be valid for three years, while renewal will be every five years. It will be evaluated by the DSC Council, an autonomous body attached to the IBP National Center for Legal Aid (IBP NCLA).

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Financial assistance

An interimcouncil will soon be formed for the crafting of the DSC manual that will guide the implementation of the Supreme Court rules. It will be composed of representatives from Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG), National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL), Alternative Law Groups (ALG), another organization engaged in DSC and the IBP NCLA.

DSC organizations have an option to seek financial assistance and other forms of support as long as they exhibit financial transparency and accountability. Benefits include exemption from legal fees in litigation as well as protection against strategic lawsuit against public participation, more known as SLAPP.

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Funding grants will partly come from the Supreme Court budget, private donations, grants and contributions from development partners.

If granted financial support, the accredited DSC organizations shall allot at least 60 percent to personnel needs, such as salary, mandatory contributions and other benefits. The rest may be used for programs, activities as well as emergency measures.

Seen as ‘subversives’

During a dialogue with DSC organizations on Oct. 12, Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen noted that public interest lawyers tend to be seen as “subversives” for challenging the status quo.

“These labels, sometimes from our point of view, are badges of honor. But in reality, these are very dangerous labels and one which causes risks to our lives and of course, it has an impact on the future of our families,” Leonen was quoted as saying.

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With the new rules issued by the high court, Leonen said he hopes more law students would make public interest lawyering a top option for their careers. /cb